Imagine you are one of five teachers who teach 1st grade. Your team has recently received an influx of multilingual (EL) learners. As the teacher with the most experience with these types of learners, your principal has asked you to create a plan for helping these learners reach English language proficiency. This plan will involve using language theory, using the stages of second language acquisition, and incorporating elements of language.
Preparation
Research the following:
- Theories of language acquisition (e.g., behavioral, cognitive, nativist, and interactionist)
- Stages of second language acquisition
- Elements of language (e.g., phonetics, phonology, morphology, lexicon, semantics, syntax, and pragmatics)
Assessment Deliverable
Create a 3- to 5-page plan that addresses the elements, theories, and factors that influence language acquisition that you and your team will follow to support your multilingual (EL) learners in acquiring English language proficiency.
Include the following in your plan:
- Theories of language acquisition
- Describe 1 or more theories you will use when planning weekly instruction and how it will benefit your ELs. Provide a rationale for your chosen theory or theories.
- Stages of second language acquisition
- Explain how you will determine which stage of second language acquisition each of your ELs are in.
- Explain how you will plan to teach your ELs based on each stage of second language acquisition. For example, individual time for ELs will be planned by each teacher, teachers will work with small groups by language acquisition level weekly, and objects will be labeled in all classrooms for pre-production stage learners.
- Elements of language
- Define each element of language (phonetics, phonology, morphology, lexicon, semantics, syntax, and pragmatics) in a way that a parent/caregiver could understand.
- Provide an example of how you will teach each element of language to your 1st-grade ELs.
- Reflection process
- Detail how you will consistently reflect on each EL’s progress.
- Describe how you will assess their progress using the stages of language acquisition and the elements of language.
- Explain the process you will use to adjust instruction for students who are not progressing.
- Describe communication strategies you will employ to keep parents/caregivers informed on their child’s language progress.
Cite at least 3 references to support your assignment.
Format your citations and references according to APA guidelines.